stephen R Harrison

It’s only through the lenses of faith and humility that we can truly see the greatness of God’s character and goodness of His plan. When we are prideful and selfish, we tend to foolishly believe our character and plans are better than they are and able to solve any problem we have. In Psalm 86, David, although likely the most powerful and resourceful man in Israel at the time as king, knew he was “poor and needy” (v. 1) and “there is none like the Lord” (v. eight). David not only saw God as a powerful deity, but a personal savior as he said to God “You are my God” (v. 2). David’s relationship with God was based on God’s covenantal relationship with him. David called Him “Lord” almost a dozen times in seventeen verses to convey God’s devotion and promises. It was the Lord Who had provided answers (v. 1), protection (v. 2), mercy (v. 3), joy (v. 4), forgiveness (v. 5), and so many other blessings during David’s plight in the wilderness of Judea as he ran for his life from King Saul. David once again leaned heavily upon these divine attributes of his Lord.

In our arrogance and ignorance, we foolishly believe we can provide the kind of answers, protection, mercy, and joy the Lord possesses. It is when we stop like David did and pray with a “poor and needy” heart and mind, and admit that the Lord alone “is great and does marvelous deeds” (v. 10) that we receive all of the Lord’s spiritual blessings. Like David, we must be teachable (v. 11a), devoted (v. 11b), and worshipful (v. 12). It is in those moments we find out how “great is the Lord’s love toward us” (v. 13). David’s distress (v. 7) from the attacks of those trying to kill him (v. 14) were met with the Lord’s impeccable character.

The Lord is “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love and faithfulness” (v. 15). These are qualities we miss when self-absorbed in futile attempts of solving our own issues. When we are anxious and worry about how to resolve our own problems, we not only miss out on God’s solution, but we miss out on something greater – Him! Instead of consuming our thoughts and time with evasive answers, we should relinquish our burdens to Him and enjoy His presence. He does bring help and comfort (v. 17), but He is help and comfort. Our desire should be in Him, not just to receive from Him. The removal of our problem is not the best answer we can gain from seeking the Lord. The addition of His presence, grace, love, and mercy are! The once dismal problem is quickly overshadowed by the hopeful presence of the Lord. Even if it isn’t instantly or eternally solved, He is enough! His goodness (v. 17) shines new perspective and joy in the gloomiest of situations!

Questions:

1. Are you continually missing the Lord while trying to find solutions to your problems?
2. Are you stubbornly reluctant to relinquish your situation to the Lord and rest in His presence?
3. Are you relying more on the Lord’s character or your own?

Prayer:
Lord, You alone are good, merciful, compassionate, loving, and just. Your character far exceeds my best qualities. I humbly surrender my best efforts to Your perfect character and plan. Thank You for being consistent and dependable. Help me be teachable, devoted, and worshipful as I trust in Your provision and rest in Your presence. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.